Derwent-Head Home Energy Advice

Introduction

This page of the EPCs in Gatehead website gives a summary of some basic insulation and heating system energy saving measures that, if applicable, will help you reduce your heating bills. In addition to the summaries, pdf documents giving more detailed information on some of these energy saving measures can be uploaded by clicking on the links given. The last section on this page gives information on some day to day energy saving tips as well as a link to a video produced by OFGEM and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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Information on some basic energy saving measures

A short summary of some basic potential energy saving measures are given below:

● Loft insulation. A poorly or un-insulated loft will mean a significant loss of heat out of the house in cold weather. This loss can be cut by up to 90% by fitting the current recommended insulation thickness of 270 mm. This normally involves insulation being laid between and across the top of the joists. Special care needs to be taken when water tanks and pipework are situated in the loft as well as making sure the required natural ventilation of the loft space is not impeded when fitting the insulation.

● Cavity Wall Insulation. The walls of your home can be the most significant area for losing heat in cold weather. If the house walls have a cavity that is suitable for having insulation injected the heat loss can be reduced by up to 50 to 66% compared to the un-insulated wall, depending on the original wall construction.The suitability of your house for cavity wall insulation and the actual installation must though be checked and carried out by a CIGA registered contractor.

● Hot Water Tank insulation. Many homes these days use a Combi boiler with no hot water tank but where a hot water tank is used, it will lose a lot of heat if poorly insulated. Modern hot water tanks can be completely factory insulated and encapsulated but older tanks can often only have a thin foam or jacket insulation. This can easily and cheaply be greatly improved by fitting an additional jacket or even two if there is room. Pipework running to and from the tank can also easily be insulated.

● Draughtproofing. These days double glazed windows are usually fitted with reasonable draught proofing so draughts are usually not as significant as they were in the past with single glazed windows and doors. Draughts, where they do exist though, can lead to significant heat loss and be a source of discomfort to the occupants. Several types of suitable draught strip are widely available for fitting to doors and opening windows. Care is required though that sufficient ventilation is retained for any heating systems drawing their air from inside your house or if you have found condensation to be a significant problem in your home.

● Heating controls. Inadequate controls on a central heating system can mean the heating is difficult to control with a reasonable chance that some periods of overheating will occur. The basic recommended controls for a central heating system are a programmer with separate heating and hot water timing control, a suitably positioned room thermostat and individual thermostatic radiator valves fitted on most radiators.

Please click on here for further information on some insulation energy saving measures.

Please click on here for further information on some draughtproofing energy saving measures.

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Information on basic energy saving tips

There are a lot of small ways it is possible to reduce the energy consumption in your home that, taken together can help make a difference in reducing your fuel and electricity bills. Please click on the following link to upload the pdf file for a list of some day to day energy saving tips Some day to day energy saving tips

Alternatively please click here for a link to a video on energy saving measures and tips produced by OFGEM and the Citizens Advice Bureau.